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HOME SAFETY TIPS

• Use a door viewer before opening your door. Always demand identification from strangers (even repair or sales persons).
• Always lock up your home before leaving and don't hide your house keys outdoors anywhere.
• Have keys ready and in your hand for immediate use when you return home.
• Use interior and exterior lighting at all times.
• Shred credit card offers and bank statements before you throw them away if you do not plan on using them.
• Hide or destroy boxes from expensive purchases.
• Do not answer personal questions about the house such as type of alarm, daytime occupancy, etc.
• Do not let people inside your home (to use the bathroom, phone, etc).
• Avoid mail theft by obtaining a locked mailbox and dropping off outgoing mail at the local post office or postal mailbox.
• Do not give out your personal information or credit card number over the phone unless you initiated the call.

SENIOR SAFETY TIPS

Inside your Home

Clear pathways inside and out & make sure they're even and well-lit. Clear clutter from the floor, and make sure rugs are secure to the floor.

• Doors - Be able to see visitors before you open the door. Install a garage door opener.
• Stairs - Should have railings. Keep each staircase well-lit.
• Bathroom - Use bath rugs with rubber mats and walk-in showers with skid protectors on the floor with grab bars on the walls to prevent falling and slipping. Make sure the bathroom door can be unlocked from the outside.

As we age, we need more light to see properly. Add lights where you need them -- some examples are inside stairways, halls and in the kitchen. Place nightlights where you traffic regularly.

DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

• Always look inside before entering your car.
• Lock all doors immediately after you are in the car.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If a stranger approaches while you are in the car, keep the windows up, doors locked and engine running.
• Honk your horn if you need to attract attention.
• Park in well lit areas at night.
• Always lock your car when leaving it.
• Consider installing an auto burglar alarm system.
• Don't leave anything valuable in your car if at all possible.
• Know your specific DMV Alcohol Impairment Levels.

WALKING SAFETY

• Plan your route ahead of time. Never walk alone at night; walk with a friend or your dog.
• Use well lit streets; not dark alleys or bushy areas.
• Carry signaling devices like shriek alarms or a whistle.
• Carry pepper spray.
• Be alert! Look behind you occasionally.
• Never ask for or accept a ride from a stranger.
• Don't carry large sums of money or wear valuable jewelry.
• Don't resist an armed robber. Hand over whatever is demanded quickly and quietly.
• Your life and safety are worth more than any personal property.